Lining the periphery of the plaza in the form of metal cutout railings, Amescua’s Guardians of the Track depicts mythological figures and symbols that are both decorative and functional. The 79 new panels add to an existing body of artwork by Amescua at the station, including metal cutout railings, screens and grills throughout the bus plaza and the Metro Headquarters building.

The design focuses on providing pedestrian safety as well as enhancing the plaza in keeping with the spirit of the original artwork. The new artwork metal panels were fabricated by the artist and installed in September as part of overall plaza improvements. Originally commissioned in 1995, Metro Art re-engaged the original artist and collaborated with Metro’s General Services and multiple contractors to get the new panels fabricated and installed by the October 10 plaza opening deadline. The artist used designs and imagery based on Mexican folk and craft traditions of “papel picado” (cut paper), while also incorporating Art Deco architectural motifs that reference the design of the Metro Headquarters building.

The artist, Michael Amescua (right) and associate Javier Rivera, with some of the metal panel artworks in the background.

“It was critical that pedestrian cross-walking safety objectives be handled in a way that maintained the architectural design integrity of the original plaza,” said Angelene Campuzano, Metro Art Project Manager. “We are pleased to have met that objective while adding to Metro’s significant body of artworks in our stations and facilities.”

Take a free art and architecture tour to learn more about these and other artworks located throughout Union Station. Details at metro.net/art.

“Guardians of the Track” by artist Michael Amescua. 79 new artwork panels have been added to Union Station’s Patsaouras Bus Plaza.

“Guardians of the Track” by artist Michael Amescua. 79 new artwork panels have been added to Union Station’s Patsaouras Bus Plaza.

“Guardians of the Track” by artist Michael Amescua. 79 new artwork panels have been added to Union Station’s Patsaouras Bus Plaza.”Guardians of the Track” by artist Michael Amescua. 79 new artwork panels have been added to Union Station’s Patsaouras Bus Plaza.

“Guardians of the Track” by artist Michael Amescua. 79 new artwork panels have been added to Union Station’s Patsaouras Bus Plaza.

Artworks are thoughtfully integrated in unusual spaces, to improve the appearance of otherwise lackluster corners of the building.